Ernst August Wagner

Ernst August Wagner

Ernst August Wagner (1874–1938) was a German teacher and poet who is known for committing one of the most infamous crimes in German history. On September 4, 1913, Wagner murdered his wife and four children in their sleep, then set fire to several buildings in his hometown of Degerloch, and subsequently traveled to Mühlhausen an der Enz where he killed 8 more people and injured 12 others in a shooting spree. His actions shocked the nation and have been extensively analyzed by criminologists, historians, and psychologists.

Background

Wagner was born in Eglosheim, now part of Ludwigsburg, Württemberg, in the German Empire. He was the eldest of six children in a family described as dysfunctional. Wagner showed early signs of mental instability but managed to complete his education and became a school teacher. He was married with four children. Despite his seemingly normal exterior, Wagner struggled with deep psychological issues and harbored grandiose dreams of becoming a famous poet.

The Crime

On the night of September 4, 1913, Wagner committed the murders of his family in a premeditated attack, using a hammer and a knife. After setting his home on fire, he traveled over 20 kilometers to Mühlhausen an der Enz, where he began a shooting rampage, targeting people at random. His actions resulted in 8 deaths and numerous injuries before he was subdued and arrested by the authorities.

Trial and Imprisonment

During his trial, Wagner was found to be mentally ill. He confessed to the crimes and claimed that he had been driven by voices and a compulsion to become famous. The court sentenced him to life in a psychiatric institution, where he spent the rest of his days. While incarcerated, Wagner wrote extensively, producing plays, poems, and essays that reflected on his actions and mental state.

Legacy

Wagner's case has been the subject of much analysis over the years. It has been cited in discussions on the nature of criminal insanity, the role of media in sensationalizing crime, and the intersection of mental illness and creativity. His writings from prison have been studied by scholars interested in the psychological aspects of crime and the expression of guilt and redemption.

See Also

• Criminal psychology
• Forensic psychiatry
• Mass murder
• Serial killers in Germany